Experimental traffic signal debuts

Scottsdale has installed its first experimental HAWK pedestrian signal in a central Scottsdale neighborhood.

The new traffic device is designed without a green light, so it remains dark to allow traffic to move through an intersection when there are no pedestrians waiting. Pedestrians can activate its yellow and red lights when they want to cross the intersection.

The HAWK, which stands for "high-intensity activated crosswalk," originated in Tucson. HAWKs also have been installed in Cambridge, Mass.; Las Cruces, N.M.; Mundelein, Ill.; and Portland, Ore., city spokeswoman Annie DeChance said.

The city put in the light to address concerns of the Villa Monterey senior community, whose residents have complained that traffic on their two-lane stretch of Chaparral Road made it dangerous to walk to the nearby grocery store and shopping center. The light and a newly painted crosswalk add to the pedestrian refuge the city installed in Chaparral's center turn lane in 2005, DeChance said.

Residents' response to the HAWK, which debuted a week ago, has been positive, she said.

WHERE IT IS

Chaparral Road just east of 78th Street.

IF YOU'RE A PEDESTRIAN

To cross the street, push the button and activate the signal. When the white walk signal appears, check that traffic has stopped, then cross.

IF YOU'RE A MOTORIST

When the light starts flashing yellow, slow down. When it turns solid yellow, prepare to stop. When it turns solid red, stop.

When the light converts to flashing red, check that pedestrians are clear and proceed when it is safe to do so.

WHAT'S NEXT

The city will study whether safety and drivers' awareness of the new style of light increase.

Other HAWK signals are planned for trail crossings at Pima Road and Dixileta Drive by January and at Pima and Jomax roads in spring 2009.

The HAWK, which stands for "high-intensity activated crosswalk," originated in Tucson.